Beau's Weather Blog

Let's Talk Weather...

August 2008

August 02, 2008

Hot - Hot - Hot!

The region is baking. Temperatures have been in the 90s for
several days now. We are expecting upper 90s on Sunday through
Wednesday. We may get some relief from a frontal system on
Wednesday evening. The heat index maps below show just how hot it
feels like across our region.

Heat Index Maps: Sunday/Monday

August 06, 2008

Will it storm today? It certainly appears that it will.
A frontal system is just to the north of the KPAH region. Actually
draping into our northern and central counties. I am expecting
thunderstorms to develop later today along this front and along several
boundaries. It appears that CAPE values will rise to above 3000
and lift index readings could go below -5. Wind shear is fairly
weak. None the less we should see thunderstorms. Heavy rain
and frequent lightning will be a big threat. Strong winds will
also be a problem in the more intense storms.

Widespread wind damage has been reported over the last couple of
days. Most of this activity remained to our north.

Storm reports from Monday and Tuesday

Day 1 outlook

August 07, 2008

Well, it was almost a total bust yesterday. A few storms hit
Massac and Pope Counties in southern Illinois. Nothing major
though. Too much cirrus and not enough forcing. Wind fields
were weak. I still figured we would have more storms than
developed. Terrible forecast.

The complex of storms that was forecast to hit southeast Missouri
was a good forecast though and did verify. August...not the best
month for severe weather in our region. NW flow events are
difficult to forecast as well.

It appears that cooler and drier air will pour into the region over
the coming days. This is good news for everyone tired of the
heat.

August 10, 2008

Beautiful weather has finally settled into the region. Low
temperatures were in the fifties last night. For August that is
nice, especially in this region. After weeks ofr terrible heat and
humidity we are finally getting a well deserved break.

Temp Departure Map

It appears that the nice weather will continue through the
remainder of the week. At least in the temperature department.
Models are indicating a strong 500 mb trough to move into the Central
United States on Thursday and Friday. It is possible that this
could spark showers and heavy thunderstorms. It is a bit early to
determine whether or not there will be a severe weather risk. Stay
tuned.

500mb Forecast

I am heading to Rome on Monday Night. The weather in
Italy will be warm. Temperatures in the daytime are averaging
around 90 degrees with overnight lows in the upper 60s.

August 13, 2008

I have spent a few days in Italy. Beautiful country.
Weather has been very hot in Rome. It has been above 100 degrees
for several days now. The heat combined with the cement landscape
makes for a warm tour of the area. I am hoping that the cold front
in the coming days will cool everything down a bit.

Here are some of the my favorite photographs that I took over the
last few days. All of this set of photographs was taken in Rome,
Italy.

August 17, 2008

It has been a great week in Rome and Venice. We did
experience heavy thunderstorms on Friday night. Apparently a
strong cold front swept through the area. Temperatures were in the
90s leading up to the frontal passage but have been in the 70s and 80s
since.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the trip to Italy.
All photographs were taken by Beau Dodson.

Showers and thunderstorms pushed through the area no Friday night.

A stormy sky over Venice, Italy.

Saturday brought sunshine and beautiful temperatures. Venice,
Italy.

Beautiful weather followed the frontal passage. Venice, Italy.

A sky full of Cirrus clouds. Beautiful painting by mother nature.
Venice, Italy.

A father and son enjoy the sunny day.

A child day dreams while looking out over the Adriatic Sea.

Beau Dodson in the shadows.

A child in Venice with her parents.

A rather strange Donald Duck stuck inside of a time warp. A closed
shop...window full of dust and cobwebs.

I did notice these weather instruments in Venice. Someone is a
weather watcher!

All
Photos are copyrighted by Beau Dodson (unless otherwise clearly stated) and are used on this site with his
permission. Any use other than authorized by them is against the
law. If you wish to contact him regarding use of these photos,
please e-mail me and I will
forward it.